It's all Greek in Nashville

If you’re looking for one more trip before summer is officially over, why not explore the architecture of ancient Greece? There's no need to travel half way around the world though. The Parthenon in Nashville is the world’s only full-scale reproduction of the Athenian original. Built in 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, the replica is made of brick, stone, and concrete (instead of Greece’s marble). Restored from 1921-1931, the ground floor houses a small art gallery while the top floor is a recreation of the ancient Greek temple. The centerpiece of the Nashville site is the replica of the 42-foot gold statue of Athena that once stood in the Greek Parthenon but was subsequently lost around 400 AD. This is the only place in the world to see this pinnacle of classic architecture the way the ancient Greeks intended.

Admission:
Adults - $5
Children 4-17 - $2.50
Under 4 – Free

Hours:
9am - 4:30pm Tue – Sat
12:30pm - 4:30pm Sun
June, July and August

http://www.nashville.gov/parthenon/

Learning is child's play in Rochester

The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY has a very serious ambition: to facilitate learning and human development through play. Adults and kids alike love this newly expanded museum that’s so full of interactive activities, you could easily spend two days here. Pilot a helicopter, explore the set of Sesame Street, produce your own TV commercials and cooking shows, or ride a historic carousel. Experience life in the 19th century as you learn to pump water, churn butter, and scrub clothes on a washboard. There are also special summer parades, concerts, storytelling, and activities in the events calendar. Check out the 1000-gallon coral reef aquarium and the outdoor Discovery Garden where there are plenty of winding paths to explore. The popular Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden requires an extra admission fee and advanced tickets are recommended. No visit is complete without walking through the National Toy Hall of Fame that features dozens of America’s favorite toys from the past including that most versatile of playthings – the cardboard box.

Admission:
Adults - $9
Children (2-17) - $7
Children (under 2) – Free

Hours:
(through Labor Day)
10am-6pm Mon-Thur & Sat
10am-8pm Fri
Noon-6pm Sun

http://www.strongmuseum.org/index.html